Locating The Leaking Pipe Underground

The leaky pipe saga continues.......but I think I have an idea on how to fix it once and for all.
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[@DeWittPotts]

Just a suggestion, but before you start breaking apart the floor looking for the leak, you may be able to get a plumber with a good camera setup to scope the line. It would be much easier if you actually found the leak before you started breaking up the floor. A good camera setup can let you look visually at the inside of the drain line as well as have a sensor that can tell you exactly where the camera is located. It can tell you distance and depth. That way you would know exactly where you need to make the repair.

[@paulbetka2966]

EXACTLY 💯 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JosePerez-qg6th]

How much would such a set up cost to buy?

[@DeWittPotts]

@@JosePerez-qg6th to buy a rig to scope the drain will probably run into the thousands of dollars. However there are many professional plumbing companies that can provide the service. You are probably looking at the cost of a service call to get this done.

[@ReapersBaby]

​@@JosePerez-qg6th I'd have thought hiring a plumber with the correct tools and experience of guesswork would cost less than having replace the carpets, bricks and concrete that all gets ripped out.

[@Timothy-NH]

Noise canceling earpods/headphones do not offer any hearing protection unless they are specifically rated for that. Now, if you are wearing earpods under your hearing muffs, they you have your hearing protection from those muffs. The way noise canceling works is, basically, by creating noise that cancels out the ambient noise, and it had to do that with equal sound pressure, this is called active noise control. Incidentally, this is your third video I have watched this evening and you have earned a new subscriber. Some pretty cool content so far.

[@TheUserid82]

An endoscope is a useful tool for looking inside pipes and ducts for where issues are. When you combine it with fiberglass wirefish rods you can really get a good look as you can use the rods to spin the camera around.

[@Linda-td8hj]

I'm sure you will find the answer and fix it ◇◇◇◇♡♡♡☆☆☆◇◇◇◇

[@iBradWatson]

I agree. Scope it from the furnace or from the other end. The duct is a large access point and may have other vents along the way to help isolate the leak.

[@mundanestuff]

Endoscope. Amazon has then cheap. Not sure how to make it reach 50' or more, other than USB extensions, but that's what I would do. Maybe strap a go pro to a remote control car?

[@SolarSteveW]

That was my first thought also. Plan B is to spend $150 or so and hire a sewer company with a drain camera to run through your furnace pipe, and then once the entry point of the water is found, then through your drain to find the exact location. Those cameras often have a locator beacon at the camera end of the probe that can be sensed from above, giving excellent location information.

[@kevinrenn9123]

I was getting ready to leave a comment about a endoscope but you beat me to it. For about $20 it could really save a lot of time. What a nightmare of a problem, I can see a lot of sleepless nights and worrying about the worst case scenario. I hope he finds it and gets it fixed quickly and cheaply

[@chuckjames1943]

I really feel for you. We just moved out of our 75 year old house that was built on a slab with all of the utilities under the slab. The cast iron drain line ran the 90' length of the house and had given us some problems. Looking at it with a scope showed a "dip" but it wasn't plugged. Over the years we broke up the floor in one bath and replaced a leaking water line. I truly woke up at nights worrying about the under-slab plumbing and what was going to give out next. You seem very capable and patient. Hope all goes well with your repairs.

[@jimmypautz]

That little baby demo hammer is cute. I had to replace a large portion of cast iron that rotted out and I bought a ~$100 electric jackhammer to handle it. I also added a basement bathroom and it came in handy. Definitely worth it, along with a respirator.

[@ckm-mkc]

Not really a demo hammer, it's an airchisel normally used in bodywork on cars...

[@mimimitch327]

I’m sorry but did anyone notice how fun this house is! It is all set for their kids! I love it!!! Back to the previous problem!

[@feyrband]

Are you sure the kitchen/bar sink go to the main? Many older and especially rural homes have separate grey water drains that don't connect to the main. Instead they drain off outside somewhere, not into the septic. My kitchen and laundry both drain out into separate grey water lines. Only the bathrooms go into the main and into the septic. You may have another drain outside you didn't know existed. Mine run about 100 and 200 ft from the house respectively.

[@IamDerick]

This is the first time I have ever seen ductwork buried under concrete. Hope you do not have to dig up that nice floor. Ideally that duct should be replaced because of the oily greasy nasties from the sink and the odor that will be released each time the heat goes through it. If I had to dig it up I would not be covering it with concrete again so it is accessible in future. Great troubleshooting. I would definitely get some kind of venting in that void or humidity control. Homes are never quite done are they? Thanks for bringing us along. Cheers.

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

I saw something the other day you might want to consider. The person stapled house wrap to the bottom of the floor joist to support the insulation. House wrap is breathable. So it will hold the insulation in place, seal it from dirt and insects, and still allow water vapor to escape out of the insulated space. And it looks a lot better as well.

[@lvlndco]

Sounds like an endoscope is a way to go. Try filling the sinks full with water and drain them all at the same time to flush out some of the sludge. One way to seal under slab ducts is with Duct Armor. It is a spray liner type product. I was going to have that done to the house I recently moved in to, but it is too far gone and gophers have gotten into it so going to abandon it and put new through the attic.

[@Bigbearchrispy]

I was a plumber for 30+ yrs and I fully agree with D Potts send in a camera before ripping apart anything else, you will sale a lot of money for the leak can also be pinpointed within inches depth also

[@shadeiland]

Horizontal cast iron usually rots out after 30 to 50 years depending on water quality. Vertical cast iron doesn’t hold water like vertical pipe and can easily last 200 years. When replacing we often tie on to the vertical cast iron and transition to pvc.

[@dixsigns1717]

The patience of Job! Lord, help this man find the leak and give him the financial wherewithal to repair it properly. Amen!

[@I-Will-Pray-For-You]

Amen!

[@WalkScripture]

Amen

[@eagle2019]

That only keeps the water from getting into the heating duct. He still needs to find the leak and fix it.

[@randyhunt3086]

Years ago when we needed to put a lift in a shop floor with radiant heat. We were so afraid we would drill into a pipe. What we did was, turn off all the heat and left the doors open until the concrete floor was about 40°F. Then we fired up the boiler and let the hot water flow, with a thermal camera we were able to see every pipe. I'm thinking you might be able to do this in reverse, get the house nice and warm and then let the cold water flow. I guess they have a thermal adapter for smart phones. I would suggest if you can afford it to get a good camera, with that house it will pay for itself fast. Hope this helps.

[@ericsumnicht7829]

I've heard of a process spraying a liner material into the pipe inner walls to stop leaks as opposed to tearing up the concrete.

[@JL_10acres]

There are companies that fix plugged drains that have cameras that they fish into pipes and find leaks. In my part of the country it is Roto-router. They will find the location without all the excavations looking for the problem. I had the same issue in my house. Good luck!

[@mhack9881]

I feel for you, good luck and thanks for sharing.

[@triciasklodowske5653]

OH MAN what a mess !! To bad they ran everything through concrete and that it's forced air. Good luck with the job. God bless

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Wow. This is just but mind boggling project. I really wish the best of luck 🤞

[@dancrafton89]

My sister has a concrete floor they had to get some men to tunnel out underneath they house to replace their plumbing. I wouldn't buy have seen this happen to many times. Stay safe and God bless you'll.

[@RehabLife]

That’s quite strange that the water is directly running into the ductwork. Maybe a camera can get you a better picture of what is going on. Many plumbers have an endoscope that can be put into the pipe to find defects and clogs. Good luck! This certainly isn’t the easiest fix.

[@eagle2019]

Agree!!! You should find a plumber that has a camera snake and pay him to snake your pipes to find the leak. A lot less invasive and destructive than what your doing.

[@Jason-zp4ly]

it is not strange that there is water in the duct work. The condensation drain line from the condenser in cooling system is plugged and the water is running back into the duct work. Very common problem that happens with AC units. This is NOT a water or sewer line leak that is leaching into the duct work. The worst this problem could be is that the condensation pan is rusted out and unable to catch the condensation. What most people miss is that the drain line is fed back outside. A bug or just normal dust has clogged this drain line and can be easily unplugged with a wet/dry shop vac.

[@RehabLife]

@@Jason-zp4ly I thought the same thing until I saw the way the duct comes off the AC unit.

[@falghar4711]

@@Jason-zp4ly You state it is not a water or sewer leak. But if you listen from 13:02 He says that when he runs the kitchen and the bar sink, water comes out of that pipe.

[@Jason-zp4ly]

@@falghar4711 yep your right I didnt register that part..... guess I was too busy typing and not listening.

[@kennethalmond8922]

WOW - you are so patient. I'd be pulling my hair out within the 1st 5min of this youtube!! Thanks for such an inspiring approach :)

[@justinsmith9847]

Start immediately under the kitchen sink. It's apparent by the ceiling below it that it's leaking there also. It may be running outside the pipe first until somehow it's entering your duct. Good luck.

[@djkommando]

You could get a little RC car with a camera on top and drive thru the ducts to see where the water is coming from. Good diagnostics and good video content.

[@Entropy-booster]

I hope God continues to bless you. Stay strong in the Lord. I've heard of pipe lining without excavation. You can search for residential trenchless pipe lining and find some companies. Not sure if it would be cost effective, but may be worth a call. Good luck brother!

[@SSLFamilyDad]

$150 per foot, I’d rather just get out the jack hammer:)

[@wizard3z868]

Watching this makes me glad I live new England with basements or crawl spaces a plenty those underground in slab pipes and ductwork are a maintence nightmare

[@carls1959]

Did you check your water meter? Or are you on a well? To have that much water draining from that pipe, after draining all night, it has to be an active leak somewhere. Maybe you have a spring that came up from under your house. Good luck. Thanks for sharing.

[@Yutani_Crayven]

Man, having to tear out the floor like that is just about the worst case come true for this kind of problem… I hope you can find a good solution for this. Best of luck.

[@sharonbull4483]

Anyone consider your homeowners insurance. They may help cover cost of getting help on to really get it fixed quicker and easier on your time and effort. I know my husband would look at me and say. Oh I can fix this. Good luck. And a prayer here for you and family

[@evaneaker7]

Have you looked into lining the pipe? It is possible to seal the pipe from the inside using pipe lining. I would suggest you get your pipe cameraed first to see exactly what and where your problem is and then look into lining it. It may potentially save you a lot of time and money. Most septic compamies have a camera.

[@johnclements6614]

As others have said put a camera up the duct and drain to see if you can find the leak before digging. Hire one with a detector so you can find the location from the surface. Put some drain tracing dye down the sink if you are having difficulty seeing where the water is entering with the camera.

[@jonspinks9572]

Perfect place for epoxy lining. Or sometimes called trenchless pipe lining. Check it out.

[@christinerobinson890]

Interesting. I was always my dad’s right hand man as well. I watched the vids out of order. I was shouting, check the kitchen sink!

[@JR-lg7un]

Have you checked the pipe bursting method to replace the cast iron? It would save having to break up all the flooring.

[@clintastle2576]

Definitely get it scooped to locate the problem before you go tearing up the concrete.

[@willowknollhomestead206]

Old homeowner: "Hey Clara, Todd found the issue. Wait to he pulls the carpet and sees the next nightmare!" Good luck and will can't wait for the next video.

[@living4mylord]

😂😂😂😂👍😔

[@nates2526]

An angle grinder with a diamond blade also cuts thru thin concrete fairly well. It’s a dusty mess though.

[@johnclements6614]

Get a water feed for the angle grinder and blades that are ok wet. Alternatively poor water on the cut. You will end up with more mess in one place but not dust everywhere.

[@benthere8051]

Some plumbing companies have the ability to "TV" pipes and to locate problems visually. It may be time to get professional help (no, not that kind..). They also have the ability to scour the inside of pipes and ducts with something akin to a string trimmer. They can also seal the pipe/duct once it is clean - that would kill the smell. BY THE WAY !!! Check the condensate line from your air conditioner - it may be plugged and may be leaking into the air duct. I HAVE SEEN THAT PROBLEM BEFORE !! I would bet money that is your problem. To clear a condensate drain pipe, force water into the outlet. Make sure you have someone inside with a shop vac sucking water out of the condensate collection tray.

[@LuxorVan]

I would try to find a plumber that has a special camera with a sonde transmitter and receiver to locate the exact location for the damaged section of drain. Otherwise it is a cat and mouse situation. As for the ducting you may want to look at alternatives like exposed ductwork it might go well with the overall design of the home.

[@homesteadhelper9126]

Could you reroute the drain to the kitchen sink and dishwasher. It might be easier than digging up the concrete, depending on circumstances.

[@Satters]

are the pipes and ducts in the concrete shown on the building plans ?

[@jamiekatz7591]

I mentioned in the last video Legionnaires disease I hope you figure it out stagnant waters is the main cause. Best of luck!

[@christineortmann359]

Oh boy, what a big job ahead- 🙏

[@kirklightcap306]

Might try and rent a line finder from sunbelt rental. That’s what miss dig uses to find lines. May be helpful, if the lines are pvc run a fish tape down them and it will pick the line up.

[@JacobLAChristenson]

I'd suggest a sewer camera with a transmitter. You can run it in both the sewer pipe and the duct to figure out exactly where the leak is and have better understanding the best solution.

[@trentsworkshop2960]

It is a leak in the primary drain pan on the interior A/C coils. Rather than draining to the outside, the water is dripping into the ductwork. Open the A/C coils at the furnace and you will see the leak.

[@totes_muhgoats]

Didn't you have a small camera you used a few months ago when you were cleaning down spouts? Can you send that down from different angles?

[@CSXRailfan675]

Wow, you have a hand full of issues going on. I admire your patience dealing with finding those what seems like endless issues. Now, I've seen the word endoscope used a few times. A good rental center would have those to rent, that's where I would start, but I'm still trying to figure out why anyone would run heating duct under a concrete floor? That's a disaster and your going to have endless issues until it gets delt with by an HVAC guy to figure the best way to address those issues. It seems like that stuff was all done by a DIY guy who didn't really have a clue how to do things properly. The pool pump wiring is a serious concern to me seeing those hap hazard connections using 240 volts. I recamend shutting off the circuit to that until you have a chance to explore all the wiring. Correcting any of the connections or mistakes. The plumbing should be a priority, then the HVAC needs to be addressed by a professional. There may be ways to repair those issues without pulling up duct work And floors. But concrete and galvanized duct do not mix. The duct will rot eventually, and then you will have bigger issues. I'll be praying for guidance to the best way to get your woes resolved. After all HE knows what's best.

[@WApnj]

Strap a camera and flashlight to a stick and feed it into the duct to see what's around the corner..

[@muthagoose00]

this house seems like a mess of issues. Im hoping you got a killer deal.

[@realestateinfonet9041]

Great video! Thanks!

[@davidepperson2376]

Have you checked that both air handlers for your AC have working condensate lines?

[@capicolaspicy]

Huge help if you could borrow or rent a camera to send through the duct and drain, or have a drain cleaning person come out and scope it. Might let you pinpoint exactly where to go!

[@martygrimes5231]

I know your pain I smelled sewer in my house come to find out all cast iron was crumbling away had to demo my whole bathroom . Good luck

[@SSLFamilyDad]

New repair video coming soon!

[@crxess]

I just have to ask: Why have you not rented a Cable Camera(inspection camera) to snake through the piping and locate the problem before further tearing up the home?

[@joelhill4107]

Try a thermal imaging camera. Run water from the sink and just follow it back to the source. It will be colder where the water is running from. Hope this helps.

[@King_Flippy_Nips]

colored dye would do the same thing and far far cheaper

[@davidmann3365]

Yes, an endoscope would work wonders. Looks like you got a house that was poorly designed for Plumbing or a plumbers dream (constant business.) A couple of architectural engineer types I know would have planned all the HVAC above the floor they serviced to try to keep water out of the system. It happens all the time here.

[@meetthemcfarlanes263]

God bless the reader 🙏

[@colelee6014]

Any updates on the mystery pool pump

[@ikecostner1]

I’ve never seen heating or air ducts underneath the concrete slab, that seems like it would be a major health concern with dust and mold and moisture buildup inside of the ductwork

[@lizhaydon2250]

Have you ever seen the movie "The Money Pit"? Sorry what came to mind watching your latest video. Cheers!

[@realreviews9207]

Only a thought but, can you try dying the kitchen waste water one color and the other drains different colors. It may help you a little.

[@smithmichaels]

get a copy of the plans for the house at the courthouse. The designer name will be on it and you can perhaps get a set of detailed plans. Then you don't guess. Then scope it!

[@davidcolman6070]

Find a Plummer with a bore scope to run up the vent. Well worth the money.

[@scottfoster2487]

Get a plumber to run a drain camera into the pipe thane do a locate on it to know right were it is . Get a long pipe or the like and put a camera on ir and look from the crawl space turn to the left to see what you can. Lookinto a product called WallAbot it fits your phone and allows one to see in walls and floors.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I actually do have a snake camera and a wallabot, neither would really help in this case. I was able to narrow down where the leak was and have a solution, next video!:)

[@1coppertop]

If the bar sink also drains through the duct. It stands to reason that the pipe drain problem is between the bar and main drain leaving the house. Not back towards the kitchen.

[@doumor99]

go to your home depot and rent the sewer cleaner with a camera and scope all that including the sewer it is cheaper than a plumber

[@soakitinartisansoap]

Wow, what a challenge. well, your going to have to replace those pipes anyways since there is likely mold throughout. The good news is atleast you know what the issue is.

[@patricia2645]

Wow! Your girl sure looks like you, no Jerry Springer needed. Good video.

[@TheChocrose]

I’m praying for a simple solution for you. 🙏

[@apex007]

Why would they put ducts under a slab? Was that a way to insulate them in the 70s? Never seen that here in TX

[@living4mylord]

Things are crazy in Michigan.

[@lisagarcia9442]

Could you have used dye at different points to find source?

[@TexasScout]

Your house is beautiful, damn shame they short sided on the drains

[@johnspegal952]

There has to be more crawl spaces under the house because you have to repair the heating ducts when they rust out the galvanized tubs rust

[@KNIGHTFOX80]

F. That! That's 2 of the 4 things I hate the most. Plumbing, concrete, drywall and paint

[@79tazman]

I would call a plumber with a cam that can go down the pipe and find the leak because going underground and breaking up cement can get costly but I do find it interesting on what is going on with your vents and such if you had a normal home it would be simple to find but since you have a home with a unique setup looks like it's going to be more work then normal.

[@jeremysturza10]

Look for a company like nu pipe they are in Michigan they can reline drain pipes that way you don’t have to tear everything out.

[@mariejones5844]

I did my first water pipe repair job and it was a doozy fixing it too it was! I kinda messed it up I think.

[@Bigbearchrispy]

You can rent one possibly also

[@i94south34]

use a plumbers cam that is used to see into drains

[@XPFTP]

bladder the hvac . they do it with sewar lines. the push rubber tube inside like inside out. if not.. say hello to the empty check book ur floors are commin up..

[@jennifersinclair6044]

Maybe use a moisture gauge before you take up more concrete?

[@jimcub22]

A GoPro stuck on a length of pipe stuck into the duct might work, add a light as well. Bit Heath Robison but it’s cheaper than a Plummer

[@susanh1235]

OMG, what a messy conundrum

[@you2449]

this is kinda mind blowing.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Good luck finding it, I would dig out the cast iron and replace that pipe, but that’s just me.

[@rosebudtania]

run new pipe from the furnace thru the inside of the old pipe so you won't have to rip up the floor?

[@willmeans6414]

Call a plumber that specializes in pipelining. They will send in a camera and when they find the broken pipe they can locate the spot with a different tool. They can also repair your problem with just a hole or two. I work closely with the plumbing company that specializes in pipelining, I’m the guy that fixes everything to make it look like nothing happened

[@Traci_S_Aaron]

The kitchen drain should have a vent stack through the roof That's the best place to scope are investigate

[@lukewoodcock9937]

I'm no HVAC tech but I think the water is condensation from the duct being poorly insulated.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

When I run the kitchen sink the water comes out of the duct

[@lukewoodcock9937]

@@SSLFamilyDad yes sorry you started explaining all that right after I sent my comment... I hope you get it figured out whatever it is.

[@WillYum-m3q]

Good luck

[@bigguy8315]

Any pumps or header can be sold, to help for the renovation.

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

Great sleuthing! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jangrahame4891]

Being a good steward includes upkeep of one's material blessings and relationshps. You have a whole lot of stewardship ahead on that poor neglected property. It is going to be quite a testimony to patience and perseverance.

[@wilmeaux12]

I do suspect the water in the ducts is all condensation. The fix is to abandon that system and put the ducts on the basement ceiling.

[@anthonymartinez2582]

At some point there was water on that floor in a cranky seat in the corners of the floor and that it was from that pipe that you would just pointing that it goes from that pipe over to your heating duct above the floor and its coax leaking into that heating duct vent I'm guaranteed has to be

[@nomadicdogz]

What tool were you using chiseling cement?

[@benthere8051]

An air hammer. I used an air hammer once to remove the mortar from hundreds of bricks that were later used in an addition to my house with a 100% match in style and color.

[@MrSquishles]

Buy an endoscope. cheap phone ones are less than 100, far cheaper than knocking out all that floor.

[@kylancook3477]

You can super long ones for reasonably cheap vs tearing a giant amount of concrete up

[@svseaquest9328]

Hey great video ,Not sure who built your house but first ,you dont run metal havc under a slab floor . Even if your fix your pipe water leak you can still get ground water seeping into the HVAC pipe. The pipe was not design to be installed in the ground, thats way its rusting. The tape on pipe you were pulling off freely , may have asbestos in it so gloves and air mask buddy! I really think after you find your leak you re think the HVAC situation and correct it. It should have been install above the concrete NOT below. Good luck on project